Nestled amidst the captivating Icelandic scenery, Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon stands as a testament to the country’s distinctive design ethos, where sleek lines harmonize with the rugged landscape. Its architectural brilliance extends through floor-to-ceiling windows, seamlessly merging the boundaries between the interior sanctuary and the raw grandeur of nature.
Whether you’re an intrepid explorer seeking glacier-bound adventures or a soul in pursuit of serene vistas, this contemporary haven beckons, promising an immersive encounter with Iceland’s essence. With your coziest coat in tow and a spirit of wonder at hand, let’s embark on an expedition into the icy enchantment of Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon.
Booking
Having booked tickets for a 9:30 am Ice Cave tour, we sought a hotel within driving distance of Vatnajokull National Park. A quick search on Google Maps led me to Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, a highly-rated 4.5-star establishment located just 30 minutes from the parking lot at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
Booking our stay was a breeze through their website; we simply entered our dates and reserved the entry-level room, a Standard Double Mountain View, with breakfast included. In the comment box, we requested the beds to be put together to create one Queen-sized bed. The room came at a nightly rate of $197, which I considered a fantastic value considering its excellent reviews, remote location, and complimentary breakfast.
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon Location
If you’re driving from Reykjavik, as we did, without any stops (though who would want to miss them?), it will take approximately 5 hours to reach Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon. Situated as the last hotel on the South Coast before reaching Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, which is just 30 minutes away, it rests at the base of the peaks of Vatnajokull National Park. Its entrance is conveniently located off of Hwy 1, offering easy access to travelers exploring the area.
Check-in
We arrived at the hotel to find ourselves enveloped in pitch blackness, the sun having already dipped below the horizon. Illuminating the entrance to the driveway were rows of three-foot-high light markers, guiding us towards the hotel’s parking lot. Once parked and our luggage unloaded, we made our way into the hotel lobby and approached the check-in counter, where we were greeted warmly by a friendly staff member.
The attendant courteously requested my passport and credit card as part of the check-in procedure. Since the card used for the room reservation had not been charged during the booking process, I opted to use my Chase Sapphire Preferred card to complete the transaction, ensuring that I earned 2x Ultimate Rewards points. Throughout this process, we were provided with essential information about the hotel, including the operating hours of the bar and onsite restaurant. Additionally, we were informed that reservations were required for dining at the restaurant and given details about the spa’s location and hours.
With our check-in formalities completed, we received our room keys and were directed to the hallway where our accommodation awaited.
Fosshotel Standard Double Mountain View Room
Upon entering our room, we were greeted by a warm and inviting rustic Nordic design. The room’s walls, painted white on both sides, extended towards the exterior where an angled wooden wall added a touch of natural elegance, reaching up to the ceiling. This wooden wall featured a generously sized window offering a view of the mountain behind the hotel, accompanied by a reading chair in front, though the darkness of the night obscured the scenery. Adjacent to this window was a smaller one that could be opened to quickly regulate the room temperature if needed.
Flanking both sides of the bed were nightstands equipped with reading lights and outlets for convenient device charging. On the opposite wall from the bed, a TV, workstation, and closet were neatly arranged. The bathroom, boasting a modern design, was of decent size and adorned with large 2×2 granite tiles on the heated floor and shower walls. A single sink vanity provided ample space, accommodating our toiletry bag with ease.
Food & Beverage
Once we had settled into our room, we opted to unwind at the bar with a drink and a bite to eat. To my surprise, the drinks were crafted with fresh muddled fruit and herbs, a delightful touch given our remote location. My wife and I decided to share a charcuterie board, and even in this secluded setting, the culinary experience exceeded expectations.
The following morning, we indulged in a satisfying breakfast at the restaurant, where a traditional European buffet awaited. The spread included an array of cold meats and cheeses, cereals, yogurt, two styles of eggs, breakfast meats, potatoes, fresh-cut fruit, and an assortment of breads. Remarkably, there were minimal compromises in the breakfast offerings, contributing to a delightful start to our day.
Amenities
The hotel’s most celebrated amenities include the onsite spa, which boasts a sauna and two outdoor hot tubs. Following our delightful drinks and meal at the bar, we decided to unwind further by spending some time in the downstairs spa area. Although the two outdoor hot tubs were warm, they didn’t quite reach the desired temperature to combat the chill in the air. Additionally, the water on the steps leading into the hot tubs had frozen from prior guests, making entry and exit a bit challenging.
Taking these factors into consideration, we opted instead for the sauna, which, like the hot tubs, provided warmth but lacked the intensity for a truly invigorating experience. The hotel also offered an onsite gym equipped with enough elliptical machines to facilitate a workout if desired.
Overall Impression Of Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
Our overall experience at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon was truly delightful. The hotel’s Icelandic modern design left a lasting impression, and our room exuded comfort with thoughtful touches like heated floors in the bathroom. The culinary offerings exceeded expectations, reflecting a level of quality one might expect in downtown Reykjavik. While the sauna and hot tub temperatures could be improved, the friendly staff more than made up for any minor inconveniences, engaging us in enjoyable conversations about their backgrounds and experiences working in such a remote location. If you’re planning a trip along the ring road, Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is not to be missed. Be sure to book early, as the hotel often operates at full capacity for many months throughout the year.
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